What Is a Gantry Crane? Different Types and Uses of Gantry Cranes
A gantry crane is a type of overhead lifting equipment designed to straddle an object or workspace. It uses a bridge-like structure supported by legs to lift and move heavy loads with precision. Gantry cranes are commonly used in construction, manufacturing, marine, mining, and precast operations where mobility, high capacity, and flexibility are critical.
Whether you’re looking for a gantry crane for sale, gantry crane for hire, or simply want to understand your options, this guide covers how they work, the main types available, and what to consider when choosing the right crane for your operation.
Quick Summary
- A gantry crane is a mobile or rail-mounted crane that lifts heavy loads by straddling a workspace
- Main types include rubber tyre gantry cranes and rail-mounted gantry cranes
- These cranes are used across construction, marine, and industrial sectors
- New, used, and old gantry cranes are available depending on your needs and budget
- MCT Equipment provides gantry cranes for sale, inspections, servicing, and finance across Australia
How Does a Gantry Crane Work?
A gantry crane consists of a horizontal bridge beam supported by vertical legs. Unlike bridge cranes that are fixed to a building structure, gantry cranes travel either on rubber tyres or rails installed at ground level. A trolley and hoist move along the bridge to lift and transport loads within the crane’s operating span.
They are often chosen when:
- A fixed overhead crane is not practical
- Flexibility to move the crane around a site is required
- Outdoor or large-area lifting is needed
- Custom load capacities or spans are essential
- Types of Gantry Cranes
Rubber Tyre Gantry Cranes (RTGs)
RTGs operate on wheels, providing excellent mobility across uneven ground and large sites. They are commonly found in:
- Modular construction yards
- Precast concrete facilities
- Marine and port operations
- Heavy industrial sites
Their key advantage is mobility. Since no fixed rails are required, RTGs can be relocated as site layouts evolve. View our range of rubber tyre gantry cranes from Cimolai, built for heavy lifting and engineered to order.
Rail-Mounted Gantry Cranes (RMGs or Rail Cranes)
Rail-mounted gantry cranes operate on a fixed track system and are ideal for repetitive lifting tasks along a set path. These cranes are commonly used in:
- Precast production lines
- Steel fabrication yards
- Marine terminals
- Large logistics depots
Rail cranes offer consistent, high-capacity lifting with faster movement speeds along the rails. They are ideal for operations that prioritise efficiency and throughput over mobility.
Used and Old Gantry Cranes
If you’re working within a budget or need a crane for a short-term project, a used gantry crane or old gantry crane can be a smart investment. MCT Equipment offers occasional stock of refurbished gantry cranes that have been fully inspected and serviced.
Check out our used cranes and other used heavy lifting machinery.
We also provide flexible equipment finance options to make ownership more accessible.
Inspection and Compliance Requirements
Whether new or used, all gantry cranes must comply with Australian Standards including AS2550.1. This includes:
- Pre-start checks
- Annual inspections
- 10-year major inspections
- Load testing and certification
Our team offers complete crane inspection services to keep your equipment safe, legal, and operating efficiently.
Should You Buy or Hire a Gantry Crane?
Choosing between a gantry crane for sale or a gantry crane for hire depends on your project needs.
Buy a gantry crane if:
- You have ongoing or long-term lifting requirements
- You need a customised crane built to your specifications
- You prefer to own and depreciate the asset
Hire a gantry crane if:
- Your project is short-term or seasonal
- You want to avoid upfront capital costs
- You need temporary lifting capability without a long-term commitment
Speak to us about both options and we can help you choose the best path forward.
Australia’s Trusted Supplier of Gantry Cranes
MCT Equipment is the authorised Australian distributor of Cimolai gantry cranes, including rubber tyre and rail-mounted models. We offer tailored lifting solutions backed by full servicing, inspections, and finance support.
Explore our Cimolai gantry crane range, or get in touch to discuss your lifting requirements with our expert team.